Jonia McClenney, born in Recife, Brazil, is a professional dancer and mother based in California. She built her career through hip hop, Brazilian folk dance and fitness, while balancing family life, teaching and spiritual wellness practices.
Dance and fitness are part of Jonia McClenney’s daily life and identity
Jonia McClenney was born in Recife, in the state of Pernambuco, in Northeast Brazil. Her connection to movement and culture began very early in life. At just four years old, she started learning traditional Brazilian folk dances such as pastoril, frevo, xaxado and forró, building the foundation for a lifelong passion for dance.
By the age of 10, Jonia expanded her skills into jazz and hip hop, and at 13 she discovered fitness through aerobic classes and weight training. This combination of dance and physical discipline shaped her identity both as an artist and as an athlete.
From Brazil to the Dance Scene in Los Angeles
Her passion for hip hop culture eventually brought her to Los Angeles, where she became part of major dance companies, including the Madonna Grimes Dance Theatre Company and Culture Shock Los Angeles.
Today, Jonia is a professional dancer and mother of two living in Arcadia, California. Dance and fitness are not just part of her career—they are part of her daily lifestyle.
In addition to working out at the gym at least four times a week, she also leads her own dance group, Raízes do Brasil, where she continues to celebrate and preserve Brazilian culture through movement.
Living outside Brazil helped her reconnect even more deeply with her roots, developing a stronger appreciation for the richness and diversity of Brazilian dance traditions.
Teaching, Career and Cultural Mission
Jonia has also been teaching at the well-known Athletic Garage in Pasadena since its opening in 1999. Through teaching, she shares her experience, discipline and passion for both fitness and dance with new generations of students.
She emphasizes the importance of doing what you love in life, or at least learning to love what you do, as a way to find purpose and fulfillment.
Spiritual Balance and Personal Philosophy
Beyond dance and fitness, Jonia highlights the importance of spiritual well-being. She believes that daily practices such as meditation and maintaining a relationship with God are essential for balance.
“Have at least five minutes every day to meditate and keep your relationship with God. It is very important and helpful for the mental, physical and spiritual balance everybody needs,” she says.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Jonia’s goals are deeply connected to both family and art. She hopes to raise her daughters in a balanced and healthy environment while also expanding her dance company, Raízes do Brasil, to a higher artistic level, with performances in major venues and continued cultural impact.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Jonia McClenney?
Jonia McClenney is a Brazilian dancer from Recife who lives in California and works as a professional dancer, teacher and mother.
2. What styles of dance does Jonia practice?
She practices Brazilian folk dances like frevo and forró, as well as jazz, hip hop and contemporary dance.
3. Where does Jonia McClenney work?
She teaches at Athletic Garage in Pasadena and performs with dance companies in Los Angeles.
4. What is Raízes do Brasil?
Raízes do Brasil is Jonia’s own dance group focused on promoting Brazilian culture through dance and performance.
5. What is Jonia’s philosophy about life?
She believes in balancing physical, mental and spiritual health through dance, fitness, meditation and faith.
